A little character

It's time to develop our relationship.

Let's go deeper, really get to know each other.

I want to know everything .  Tell me all about you.  What makes you smile, warms your heart, keeps you going?  What are your fears, your doubts, your intimate scars that lie just below the surface.

What characteristics are yours and yours alone?  The imperfections that make you, well, perfect!  I want to hear, see, feel it all.

These are the questions I have been asking the MJWL lead characters. 

I have memorized their stories, their journeys, their trials.  Now I want to know them.  Who is Rachel, down deep, in her soul of souls?  Why is Leo a loner, guarded, scarred?  What drives Alex, and why does she still believe in the promise of true love?  Where does that faith come from?  And why is Lea such a magnetic combination of push you away and pull  you in?  What makes her so incredibly intoxicating?? 

I need to know. 

And I want to paint their pictures with such vivid colors you that you will experience what I feel when their words spill out onto the pages in front of me.

That's where I am on this journey.  Diving deep, getting to know. 

With pen and paper in hand I have written "Who is ...?" at the top of each page, waiting for the words to flow.

For those of you have been experiencing this blog since the beginning, feel free to contribute.  Share a few words via email (myjourneywithlea@gmail.com) (or comment below) describing your impressions of Rachel, Leo, Alex, and Lea.  What characteristics have YOU pictured?  Would love to hear from you.

And the journey continues, with love, because I...

Believe in Forever.

Alex

Continuing the Journey!

I.  AM.  BACK!!!

After a few months of serious transition time (new job, new life, new outlook) I am dusting off the keyboard and diving back into the continuation of My Journey with Lea!

Great to be back online with my faithful MJWL peeps!  For those of you who are new to this blog - welcome!  Over the past year I have chronicled my quest to write the story that is now an integral part of my soul, aching to get out, ready to be shared with the world.  Originally I had set a goal of writing the book within one year.  Well, a good (and recent) connection of mine, editor extraordinaire Stacey Donovan (http://www.donovanedits.com/) helped me to see this project through a different lens.  Faster is not always better. 

While the book is essentially complete (yeah!) I am still in the process of adding layers to the storyline, depth to the characters, flavor to words themselves. 

Oh my God does it feel good to write again!

Listed below is a high level overview of the book.  Let me ask you...if you read this summary would YOU want to read the novel? 

 

If the answer is YES then leave a comment, retweet the post, or connect with the blog itself. 

 

If the answer is NO, or MAYBE, I would love to hear why.  Seriously.

 

OK, here we go!  And remember...

Believe in Forever,

Alex

Overview of “My Journey with Lea”. 

This novel is a heart wrenching, soul satisfying portrayal of two distinctly different, yet intricately entwined couples. Through incredible passion, tragic loss, and a resolute determination to live and love, both couples discover that while life is a journey, infinite love is a matter of destiny.

The modern day love story is between two strong, independent women named Alexandria and Lea. They met young and fell madly, deeply in love. The glance that rocked their worlds, the softness of a first touch, and oh, that kiss! Their passion was insatiable and life altering, but also unexpected and ill-timed. They were ultimately separated by circumstance and 1200 miles. Alex spent years resolving to discover the magic of true love again. Would her complicated journey lead her back to Lea?

Our second couple, Rachel and Leo, lived on a horse farm in the early 1900’s. He was a strong, quiet man that was half Choctow Indian, and she was a young woman from Philadelphia society who had moved to the mountains of Tennessee in search of adventure. They fell in love immediately, souls connecting over the single touch of her fingers on his sleeve. Unfortunately Rachel’s early death interrupted their plans of forever and sent Leo into a painful tailspin.

We follow Rachel to the world of energy and spirits and watch as she discovers the true meaning of life and love, destiny and infinite partners. She persuades the angels to allow her to deviate from her ascension and pursue a path to save Leo’s soul.

The two stories are interwoven throughout the book before ultimately reaching a climatic ending that ruptures the stereotypical "happily ever after" conclusion but still leaves you breathless and satisfied.

I know the novel is deep, and rare, and real because I have lived parts of it, and the rest of it seeps into my soul and through my fingers as I write. My destiny is to chronicle this journey and share their respective love stories. 

So...ready to read more?

YES?  Follow me on Twitter (Alexandria Inde, or IndeAlexandria) or leave a comment below!

NO?

MAYBE?

 

Day 314 of 365

A big decision indeed.

This will be the last My Journey with Lea blog post. At least until the novel is finished.

As you may have noticed the posts have been few and far, far between. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that the novel is coming along nicely. Twenty-four chapters in length and nearly completed. What lies ahead is more writing then a few months of heavy duty editing. I will also be reaching out to publishers and finding a literary agent that can see and feel the vision I have for MJWL (and the two follow up novels.)

With that said I need all of my creative writing energy to go towards the home stretch, the final lap. Each blog post typically takes two to three hours, minimum, to create, and I need to use that time to write and edit.

So instead of leaving you hanging I am writing this good bye (for now) letter.

If you would like to know when the novel is finished and a publisher has agreed to print this wonderful story please send me your email address. (You can reach me at myjourneywithlea@gmail.com.) I will create a list and let everyone know where to get a copy of the novel. I also promise not to utilize your email for any other reason. (No spam!)

This leg of the journey is almost complete. I value the time we have spent together. It has helped me in ways you will never know.

Warm regards, and remember to…

Believe in Forever

Alex

Day 293 or 365

Thoughts are things.

Did you know that?

This all crystalized for me as I was chatting with a close and trusted friend last night. I realized that my path has led me to a place where I am very open. Open to the infinite possibilities that this life has to offer. Open to the paradigm that we create our own reality, and not the other way around. And definitely open to the concept that my thoughts, those invisible brain waves generated from within, can, and do, shape my destiny.

So what does this all mean?

I have learned that when my thoughts are centered on the beautiful things I intend to create in my life (a kick ass job, a great home, this novel, true love) those things find their respective ways into my journey. 

If, however, my internal dialog is focused on past transgressions, old hurts, and things I cannot change, well, I get more of that crap showing up. Yuck.

The moral of the story? What I focus on has a funny way of manifesting in my life…so I have been pretty careful about what I focus on. It's that simple.

So with only 72 days to go, do I believe that there is still enough in me to complete and publish MJWL on time? If you have been following this blog at all, you already know the answer.

I do, and I will.

Going back to the concept of being careful about what you dwell on, allow me to share a little about Leo and one of his dark times. His soul was aching and his thoughts were trapped in the past. The more he dwelled on how much his heart hurt, the more agony he attracted into his life. He needed help, and he needed it fast.

Leo didn’t take on new clients for nearly two years. It just wasn’t in him anymore. The gentle demeanor, the knowing grin, the desire to help an owner and horse connect, it was all gone. All he had left was the ability to take care of his own herd, and he barely had that.

Then one day, as if heaven could no longer stand to watch the wasting away of a man’s soul, a child unwittingly saved Leo Ciotte from himself.

Leo was in the barn shoveling manure, filling water buckets, and throwing fresh flakes of hay into the newly cleaned paddocks. Just as he closed the latch on Sahara’s stall he turned and noticed, incredulously, a boy of about 12 standing in the entrance of the barn hall. Leo wiped the sweat from his eyes with his shirt sleeves and looked again. The kid was still there.

The youngster’s plaid shirt was well worn and his blue overalls were probably two sizes too big for his body. He had dirty blond, matted hair, hazel eyes, and a defiant, freckled face.

Never one for pleasantries, Leo barked out “What do you want?” The boy said nothing, but seemed to be driving his determined feet deeper into the clay floor.

“Who are you boy? What do you want?”

Leo took one frustrated step towards the intruder, letting his pitchfork fall noisily on the barn floor. The boy never budged, his clenched fists pressed tightly against his sides, his eyes staring holes into the bewildered expression of the older, taller, stronger farmer. Finally the words poured out in rapid succession, as if the pressure of keeping them inside had shattered the fragile container that was attempting to hold them.

“I’m Steven,” the kid shouted. “Steven Hill. And I need you to train my horse!”

Leo took in a long, deep breath, his shoulders sagging, suppressing his desire to run the kid off of his property immediately. “Rachel wouldn’t have wanted that” he sighed. He took one more cautious step towards the young man, removing his gloves and shaking his head.

“Sorry, boy. I don’t train horses anymore. Now run along home and talk to your folks. I’m sure they can help you.”

Steven didn’t budge, refusing to break eye contact with Leo. He needed to be heard, and his steadfast determination made it impossible for Leo to do anything but listen.

“Something’s wrong with my horse sir, and if I can’t fix it my parents are taking him to the shed. I’m not letting anyone take Chase to the shed! I’ll run away with him if I need to! I will! I’m not afraid of nothing. So I need you to train my horse mister.”

Steven paused for a second, inadvertently allowing Leo to hear the heartache beneath the resolve, as he choked out his final plea, his voice cracking.

“You just have to.” 

Will Leo help Steven save his horse? The answer is clear, if you…

Believe in forever.

Alex

Day 280 of 365

Time is an illusion. 

I am completely and utterly convinced of this. 

It was only a few days ago that I wrote the February 14th entry of this blog, and yet, according to the calendar, my cell phone, and the local news, nearly three months have passed. Impossible!

Of course, a myriad of events have filled in those fictitious weeks between now and our last meeting. I pleasantly, joyfully, and successfully closed out my career at sea, waving farewell to two years of enriching experiences, places, and especially people. The memories will endure forever, and I know many of the relationships will as well. Thank you Mother Ocean, you majestic beauty! Life as a seafarer was brilliant.

During those illusive weeks I also opened a new chapter of my life, entering back into the world of operations, leadership, and contributing to the “big picture”. My mind and body are alive every time I approach the building where I now work, and every new conversation makes me feel like a kid in a candy store, my senses vibrating and my thoughts firing in rapid succession. I know that I am in the right place at the right time.

And thanks to some new friends and exposure to a wider variety of writers and philosophers the soul that is my true essence has also stretched during this interval, expanding towards the future, while fully embracing the notion that the past is the past is the past. My heart is filled with joy, warmth, and gratitude, and my spirit is alive and smiling. 

What does all of this mean for MJWL? 

Like a trusted friend who knows when to intervene, and when to step aside and allow life to play out, Rachel and Leo, Alex and Lea, my faithful and valued allies in this quest, have patiently waited for the dust of life settle, for big chapters to close, and for others to open. They knew they were not abandoned. They knew their story was, and is, alive and well. I thank them (and those readers who have been checking in) for their collective patience.

So here I am again, feeling the flow of creativity streaming though my fingers, ready to complete the soul stretching story that lies within. Speaking of stories, one day on the mountaintop Leo opened up to Rachel and shared one of his own…

I was only ten years old when we moved to the plateau, but I remember falling in love with it immediately. The space, the summer breeze, the view, it was all incredibly peaceful. Chief Dan George used to say “The beauty of the trees, the softness of the air, the fragrance of the grass speaks to me.” Growing up in the dust covered village I never understood what he meant. But Rachel, darlin, when I walked the property for the first time with my father, the Chief’s words echoed in my ears with great clarity. The plateau spoke to both of us.

We bought a stretch of acreage right at the peak of the mountain, close enough to town to find the supplies we needed, and far enough away to give us the peace my parents were both looking for. The land we purchased was, at first, nothing but blunt rocks, a bunch of random trees, and layers of twisted scrub brush. The man who sold it to us thought we were a bit odd for choosing that location over all the others. But my father had vision, and where others could not see past the wild bushes and acres of weeds he could picture paddocks, and a barn, and beautiful pastures with horses grazing on sweet grass. He saw paradise. He saw our home.

Leo never left that beautiful land that spoke to him at age 10.  He was home, and always would be.  For you see, deep in his soul, Leo did, and always  would,

Believe in forever.

Alex

 

Peace

Peace, Patience, Purpose

I believe in this journey. With all that I am.

I have Peace in my heart, knowing my journey is right, and real.

I have Patience in my soul, knowing that all I intend to manifest in my life is already here or on it's way. When the time is aligned with God, my angels, and the Universe. My favorite quote on this topic:

"Infinite patience produces immediate results." - A Course in Miracles

I have Purpose. I know what I need to do. The road ahead is crystal clear. I have no doubt.

I am rejoining ships on Sunday, so while the writing and editing will continue, the blog posts may have to wait.

With only 164 days to go (home stretch!) I will commit to keeping you all informed about the pursuit to publish. If you are not already a follower you can find me on Gmail (myjourneywithlea@gmail.com) and join my circle. Or shoot me your email and I promise to keep you up to date. (I also promise...NO SPAM!)

Regular blog posts, documenting the home stretch, will begin again in late April. 

This book will happen.

In the spirit of Valentine's Day I offer you two sections from the book, quick excerpts that describe the start of the love journey for both of our couples. (Falling in love is so much fun, isn't it?!)

Rachel and her Leo

“Umm, I think so.”, he mumbled, clearing his throat. For a moment Leo was frozen, trapped in the unfamiliar spell the stranger’s presence was casting on him. He had never before experienced the flittering feeling that was now wreaking havoc inside of his stomach, and the reserved farmer did not know how to move beyond the moment. Rachel turned her head ever so slightly and raised her eyebrows expectantly, which broke the temporary enchantment and allowed Leo to respond.

“Ah, they may be up this way, ma’am. Here, I’ll show you.”

He offered his arm, which Rachel readily accepted, and proceeded to lead the beautiful visitor to the front of the store, his heart racing and his mind a muddy mess of stifled thought. As they walked his only reality was the feeling of her fingertips on his arm, and the memory of the jolt that he felt when his eyes had first connected to hers.

Alex and her Lea

Alex was suddenly very alone in the middle of the bar. Becoming impatient with her inner dialog, she quickly scanned her surroundings for Katie or another familiar face, a friendly anchor to hold on to as she waited. As her glance made it halfway around the bar her eyes suddenly locked with a beautiful, smiling, brown-eyed Rebels player.

Alex felt her heart stop.

It literally shut off for a solid second and everything in her universe was paralyzed. All movement ceased, all sound was silenced, even the air paused. Time and space no longer existed. Alex caught her breath as her heart kicked back in with a riveting “snap”, and she swore that she felt something physically twist inside of her. Adrenaline shot through her veins, shattering her melancholy and igniting a chain reaction of explosions within her, weakening her knees and sending throbbing beats that reverberated in her body and made her shift in her seat.

The brown-eyed girl with a knowing grin was looking right through Alex and seemed to be watching her take in the room. When Alex met the glance the stunning woman made no attempt to hide her attention. It was Alex who finally looked away, afraid the doe-eyed admirer would see the fireworks shooting through her veins. The encounter lasted for only a few seconds but it was enough to lock the glance into her soul.

Love at first sight is fun. Enduring love is precious and rare, if you can find a way to...

Believe in Forever.

Alex

Day 190 of 365

Sometimes the best help comes from unexpected places...

...if you are open enough to let it in!
 
Well, here we are, almost 200 days into the writing of MJWL.  What an incredible, joyful, occasionally gut wrenching adventure it has been!  200 days down, 165 to go, with plenty to do, people to see, and editors, literary agents, and publishers to impress!
 
I have been blessed with an ample amount of writing time the last 7 weeks, and in that interval I have made significant progress on the novel.  Yeah!  The book is now 24 chapters long, approximately 42,000 words, and is in the midst of major MAJOR revisions.  I truly enjoy the process of editing (aka "cleaning up") the novel, as it allows me to relive the story over and over again, one chapter at a time.  I also get to experience the pace and flow of the book and see where it makes sense, and where it cries out for clarification and change.
 
"I get by with a little help from my friends."  The Beatles
 
Projects of this nature are rarely accomplished without the help of others, which is why the dedication section of a book is typically several pages long.  In my case I have relied on a few close friends from the beginning, people that I know will always tell me what's on their mind without masking or filtering the truth.  In this regard, three unanticipated, synchronistic events have helped me tremendously in the writing process.  (And they can certainly expect to see their names on MY dedication page!)
 
(1) I am currently staying with a great friend and her three children for a few weeks before I go back to life at sea.  One night a few days back, as I was writing and editing the first few chapters, I playfully asked if they would like to hear the completed Chapter 1.  I was anxious to share the opening lines of my "project" and was thrilled when they all said yes!  These beautiful children range in age from 8-18, (my friend is ageless!) and that night they sat silently as I recited the words that until then I had only heard with the voice in my mind.  What a difference to hear them spoken!  When I was done the girls asked questions and made comments about what THEY visualized when they heard my words, which helped more than they will ever know!  I have subsequently shared more chapters with them, though I may save some of the "juicier" aspects of the novel for another audience. 
 
(2) A week ago I started emailing one of my best friends the completed chapters of MJWL one at a time.  In turn she shares with me which chapters are a "quick read" and she can get right into the story, as well as times when my writing is a little harder to navigate through.  Having this open, honest feedback allows me to go back and review my writing for clarity, which is incredibly valuable.  You see, sometimes when you are so immersed in a project you fail to see the pot holes that are right in front of you, and it's nice to have an extra set of eyes, especially when those eyes are not afraid to say "try again".
 
(3) I have not openly shared the novel, or this blog, widely within my work circle, preferring to keep work-work, and the novel-the novel.  I did, however, share the blog with one wonderful, intelligent, thoughtful peer.  Well, speaking of synchronistic events, he just happened to know a literary agent and had faith enough in my writing to introduce us.  While I have only recently sent her chapters from the book and a query letter (more on query letters next post), and I am not even sure if MJWL is in the right genre for them, I am eternally grateful to have the ear of a real literary professional, as well as for my friend's faith in me.
 
These three editing strategies were not part of my initial writing plan, however, I am incredibly blessed that they have allowed me to have their opinions woven into the process.  So a warm, heartfelt thank you to the friends who have been there for me through it all. You know who you are.  :)
 
And now, back to our story...

After carefully selecting the seeds that would round out her project, Rachel paid for her bounty and headed out the door for her trek up the mountain. Although still very excited about her venture she was no longer lost in thoughts about soil depth and nutrient restoration. Instead her mind continued to playfully recreate the brief conversation with the handsome Feed Store stranger. “Leo Ciotte.” She mused. “What a doll.”

She heard the first rumbling less than mile into the journey home, and looking up she saw the black clouds that had been shrewdly hiding beyond the tree line. She hastened her stride but it was too late. A vicious, lighting filled rainstorm was on top of her just as she turned the corner on the steepest part of the walk.

It was a deluge, the clouds unleashing their bounty in malevolent unison. Rain began to pour on her from every angle, soaking her school uniform down to her undergarments and quickly muddying the gravel path she was desperately trying to keep her footing on. She protectively covered her paper enclosed seeds and blindly inched forward, praying for a reprieve from the unrelenting assault. Just as she was losing hope that she could keep her parcels intact she received the amnesty she was looking for.

She heard the motor car before she saw it. Laboring up the hill with a load of white bags of grain was an old farm truck, its wheels digging into the gravel and seemingly winning the battle to conquer the incline. The truck stopped ahead of her where the hill leveled off, and the driver stepped out just as she was about to pass.

“Rachel?”

She squinted through the stinging rain drops and dropped her seeds on the rocks below her. There, standing before her, was Leo Ciotte.

It was only day one for Rachel and her Leo, but at first sight, first touch, first encounter, they knew there was more in the air for them than a vicious rainstorm.  For you see, rainstorms pass, but true love is eternal if you simply...

Believe in forever.

Alex

Day 176 of 365

I have been moving fences.

Figuratively, of course, though I also have experience in the literal sense, transferring big, heavy corral panels from point A to point B. Both events leave you sweaty, dirty, and tired, yet ultimately satisfied with your efforts once the dust has settled.

Moving fences, aka “change”, is grueling. It pulls at your soul, messes with your heart, and leaves your head in a fog. Yet it is also the catalyst for creativity and growth. If nothing ever changed except the advancement of years, then I suppose we would all essentially be who we were when we first entered adulthood. Hmmm, ponder that thought for a moment.

I think of Alex at 18, a cocky, resolute young soul, moving 1200 miles from home on a whim, ready to take on the world. I am proud of the person she was, even back then.

I look in the mirror today and I see that same spark, the same confident grin, though the eyes now reflect a deep knowing. An understanding that this complicated, determined, layered person inside has been shaped in equal parts by the stability in her life and the gut wrenching trials she has endured and conquered. The good, the bad, the ugly – it all defines us.

Why we crave both certainty and uncertainty at the same time is one of life’s great mysteries, but it’s a mystery I am eternally grateful for. That gut level, soul stretching craving for more has brought into my life most of the things that bring me the greatest joy. The journey to write this novel, for example, began in the area of my being that was never quite satisfied by the status quo.

Rachel was very familiar with this feeling. She understood the need to live up to the expectations of her family and society, yet there was always an unsettled feeling in her soul, a deep need to find her own voice, her own adventure. Allow me to share with you some additional depth to her character.

Rachel Kirkbright had been born into a family of means. Not Rockefeller, Carnegie type money, but good money all the same. She was the only girl in a family dominated by male heirs, so the pressure was off to be the only Kirkbright to carry on the family’s place in society. Still, there were steep expectations, and by the time she was 12 her parents had her future completely mapped out. She was to attend Bryn Mawr College at 17, marry by 19, and become a “well-rounded” lady of Philadelphia by the tender age of 21.

But Rachel had a rebellious, independent edge to her. When her Mother braided her long, curly brown hair she was quick to unravel it at the first free moment. When a well-meaning friend of her father’s complemented her on her cooking, saying she would make a fine wife someday, she acknowledged the complement but inwardly glared at the observer through defiant blue eyes.

Rachel did as she was told though. She loved her parents and did not want to openly disappoint them. So she took art classes, learned to play the piano, and crossed her ankles when seated in public. But in her heart she always knew there was more to life than Philadelphia society and becoming “a fine wife.” She wanted more. She craved adventure.

She felt most at home when she was in the barn with her father’s Palomino Sahara. She loved brushing the long white mane and washing her golden coat in the warm summer sun, something Sahara never objected to. She especially adored the afternoons when they would break away from lessons and expectations and ride the back trails together. Sahara never judged how her hair looked and could care less about her cooking prowess.

Rachel didn’t know it yet, but that unsettled feeling in her gut was about to lead her to the biggest, and best, changes of her life. For you see, deep down inside, Rachel did, and always would…

Believe in forever.

Alex 

 

Day 159 0f 365

I promised…

…in the beginning that I would write a compelling blog to document the grueling process of trying to write a novel. I committed to writing a blog every day and have spent hundreds of hours writing, editing, and creating MyJourneywithLea.blogspot.com.

Well, having the time to post every day didn’t happen. In fact there have been months where only a single blog or two have made the journey from mind to website, and some weeks evaporated without writing a solitary word. Still, not a day has gone by without a notation on a legal pad, or the back of a receipt, or the notebook on my nightstand. This novel still lives and breathes in me, striving to see the light of day.

So while the blog has not been a daily exercise, creating the novel has. I have found a lot of wonderful writing spaces here in my temporary city and I know that I WILL finish this novel on time. And it will be published. I am, however, going to spend less time on creating, editing, and posting the blog. With only 209 days to go I will need to spend my precious writing hours on the goal that started this journey…finishing MJWL. For those of you who have checked in frequently, thank you. I will keep you updated, just not as often.

So with that said, back to our story…

When I write I visualize a lot…guess that’s the name of the game, right? Allow me to share just a small section from MJWL about a beautiful blue horse:

Rachel had wandered away from her parents at the Philadelphia Liberty Festival, drawn to a stunning blue roan appaloosa mare that was standing near the fairground entrance. At age sixteen she had quickly become bored with the incessant chatter about summer homes and the latest scandals and sought respite in the white noise of the street merchants and marching bands. She had walked the length of the parade route when she spotted the mare.

The appaloosa was breathtaking, sporting a slate gray coat from its muzzle to the back of its shoulders, blending seamlessly into a spotted pattern of white and black that extended through the back hips. Defiant patches of silky gray decorated the back legs and hind quarters. The salt and pepper mane was neatly brushed and pulled up into neat button braids, while the solid gray tail was left silently flowing at the whim of the wind.

I can see this horse standing there when I am writing, and describing her to you is pure joy. I hunt for the right words to paint an effective picture, and I hope I have done the appaloosa justice. And I hope that you still…

Believe in forever.

Alex

New Year's Resolution Page

Greetings MJWL readers! 

As you may have guessed by now, writing is my passion.  I express my thoughts, dreams, and emotions best with the written word.  So today I would like to share with you something I wrote that is not part of the novel itself, though the ideas shared below are the very essence of HOW I continue to create all that I want in my life.  (I will return to MJWL on January 2nd.)

Today's post is all about New Year's Resolutions, or "NYRs". I recently read that only 8% of us will keep our NYRs, and I found that disturbing.  At 8%, why bother?

Because for some reason the thought of a fresh, unblemished year has even the most jaded nay-sayers secretly pondering what they would like to tweak. Most of us want to succeed with our NYRs, we just don't know how. Well, what if I can offer you a way to virtually guarantee that your 2014 NYRs will work? Follow the 12 Steps listed below and collectively we can move the needle on that 8%.

 

12 Steps to Successful NYRs

Step 1. Find a quiet space where you can really think. "Quiet" is a relative term here. Your space could be on a peaceful mountain top or it could be the corner booth at your local Starbucks. Just find a space where you can really think, and grab a pocket of time where you will not be interrupted.  Turn your cell phone off for an hour...you're worth it.

Step 2. Begin at the end, and think from there. When you're at the end of 2014, where do you want to be? What will be different? With unlimited time (one year) and infinite resources (your mind), you are capable of extraordinary things. I encourage you to create compelling goals that truly inspire you. You will need NYRs that move you spiritually to pull this off.

Step 3. KNOW, with all that you are, that you WILL accomplish your NYRs. There is a tremendous difference between hoping and knowing. A hope says "Hey, if it's not too much trouble, can you make this happen for me?"  Knowing says "This IS going to happen. I know it with every ounce of my being." Knowing is a complete shift in energy, and is essential to the fulfillment of your NYRs.

Step 4. Choose NYRs that YOU truly want. YOU! This is critical. So often we set goals based on the well-meaning suggestions of people we like to please. If you allow others to choose your NYRs they are doomed to failure.

Step 5. Write it down. Yes, every goal setting article on the planet will tell you that you need to write down your NYRs. There's a reason for that. The action of writing it out adds a layer of commitment, and the list you create becomes a resource to guide you through the process. What would you like to manifest in your life? What will give your mind excitement and your soul peace? Figure it out, and write it down.

Step 6. Shhh...It's a secret! Most goal setting mantras will encourage you to share your NYRs with others so they can hold you accountable for your actions. I recommend the opposite.  Commit your NYRs to your own heart, but keep them to yourself. When you discuss your NYRs people will line up to share stories about others who tried the same thing and failed. Trust me. The only one who needs to know at this point is you.

Step 7. Go there! Right now! How does it feel? Try this. Close your eyes and picture yourself achieving your NYRs. What does it look like? How does it feel? Picture as many details as you can. If your NYR is to be debt free, see yourself holding a credit card statement with a zero balance. If you want to be in excellent health see yourself smiling in the mirror at your reflection, finishing a 5K, or holding the perfect tree pose in a Bikram's Yoga class. It's important to really feel what achieving your NYRs will be like ahead of time.

Step 8. Start stacking up the little victories. Most NYRs are difficult to achieve. That's why the reported success rate is so disgusting. So how do you keep from getting discouraged? By stacking up the little victories. Achievements, even little ones, should be recognized and noted. Each time you make a decision that leads you towards your goal celebrate in a small way. Even making a mental note of the moment and smiling to yourself will suffice.

Step 9. Prepare for impact. Any time you make a major change in your life there is going to be a ripple effect that touches others. What if those closest to you don't want you to change? If you decide to give up beer how will your Sunday football buddies react? If you eliminate gossip and negative energy from your life, how will that impact your favorite cousin who loves to dish on the family drama? If you elevate your life in any way there will be some who are unwittingly threatened by the new you. Get ready for this and know how to react. It may just be that they need time to adjust to your new energy, along with reassurance that you still love THEM for who they are.

Step 10. Say no to never! Whatever your goal is, it is best to not expect perfection from the get go. It doesn't have to be about 100% denial. That's why most diets don't work. Diets are about denying what you want, and will power will only get you so far. That's why you have to say no to never! Make it a lifestyle change, not a temporary adjustment. And know that it's OK to say yes once in a while. One of my NYRs is to increase my energy, so I made the decision to make changes to what I ate. Food became fuel for my body, not a crutch for my emotions. When I'm hungry, I eat. When I'm not hungry, I don't. Some days, though, I really crave that piece of cheesecake, so I have it, knowing that to keep my energy high I will need to make it the exception, not the rule. I simply enjoy the "yes" and move on.

Step 11. Review your NYRs often. Life is busy, so to keep my NYRs front of mind I read them every day.  I keep them folded up and tucked into a book next to my bed. I read them when I wake up in the morning and they ignite my soul. I read them again before I fall asleep and they help my subconscious work out the details that will bring these NYRs into my life.

Step 12. Rinse and repeat. Once you have finally achieved your once elusive NYRs, and have proven to yourself just how powerful you can be at manifesting what you want, make new goals! It doesn't have to be January 1st to sit down with pen and paper and decide what you want to accomplish next.

I wish you all light, love, and tons of success on your path. Enjoy the process, and have a wonderful 2014 and beyond!  And may this be the year that you...

Believe in forever.

Alex

Day 142 of 365

One day at a time, or imagination unleashed?

I am pondering two great truths today, two beliefs that are symbiotic in my life but also apparently in philosophical conflict.

Should I live for today, you know, “one day at a time”, or should I believe in the future. Hmmm…that’s a tough one.

All of the enlightened masters point to power of living for today.

“Live this day as if it were your last. The past is over and gone. The future is not guaranteed.” Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” Buddha

Even songs exalt the beauty and necessity of living for today.

“There’s only us. There’s only this. Forget regret, or life is yours to miss. No other road, no other way, no day but today.” Cast of Rent

I believe in my heart that I have to live for this moment. It is a waste pf precious time and energy to get lost in the good, the bad, and the ugly of yesterday, or to wait impatiently for the promise of tomorrow.

However…

I also see the remarkable value of goals, and dreams, and excitement for the creative process.  If I only lived for this moment I would do what was necessary for survival in this moment and this moment alone. What about the brilliant future I have planned? What about the novel I am creating?

“therin lies the rub.” William Shakespeare – Hamlet

You see, I am also of the mindset that to accomplish great things you have to have great thoughts, and a wicked imagination. The story of Alex and Lea, Rachel and Leo has been percolating in my imagination for over three years now, and living for today and today alone will not bring the words onto paper. I have to see the completed novel, which I do.

“By believing passionately in something that does not yet exist we create it. The nonexistent is whatever we have not sufficiently desired.” Franz Kafka

So what’s a writer with big dreams, living in the real world, supposed to do? For me, it’s simple. I embrace both. I try to squeeze as much juice out of today’s orange as I can, while working each day towards the goals I intend to manifest.

Big dreams have always been a way of life for me. Allow me to share a quick personal example before we get back to the story of MJWL:

In High School I was a pretty good athlete, and this talent translated into several local scholarship offers. For me the fear of spending another 4 years in the Northern part of the US (think cold, gray, long winters) superseded the idea of getting a solid education at a fraction of the cost. I wanted warmth, year round. So I did what any big dreamer would do. I researched Division 1 schools in the South that had the sport I wanted to play, selected the college I wanted to attend, and reached out to the coach at the University. I never once considered that it was not possible.

Besides believing in my dreams I also believe in the synchronicity of the Universe. It just so happened that this coach had recently lost his star athlete (who played my position)and was in desperate need of a solid replacement. Within days I was on a bus, taking a 28 hour ride to Florida in pursuit of a new reality. I tried out, signed some papers, and within 14 hours was on another bus back home with a scholarship offer in my hands.

I believed in the power of my dream, and backed it up with immediate action. Symbiotic.

OK, so back to the reason I am here…to share with you MJWL. Here’s an excerpt from the early part of Alex’s journey:

She was in the deepest, longest part of REM, peacefully dreaming of walking a chestnut brown horse down the beach. Barefoot and dressed in a white cotton sun dress, her companion bareback with halter and lead, they strolled silently down the coast, watching the sun begin its sizzling entry into the horizon. The waves gently caressed her ankles, and a salty breeze blew her blond, curly hair and the horse’s red mane in swirling crescendos. 

Alex looked behind her at her steed, smiling at the simplicity of the moment. She didn’t know the mare, in fact, she knew she didn’t own a horse in her waking moments. Didn’t matter. The breathtaking beauty of the pure white blaze against the soft, chestnut forehead, with gentle, knowing eyes smiling in response to her gaze brought tranquility to her heart that superseded her sleeping brain’s need to make sense of her surroundings. 

Bang!

Alex dropped the lead and grabbed her chest as she felt one enormous heart beat slam against her ribcage. She waited anxiously for the next beat to sound, hoping to hear it but praying it would not be as malicious as the last. With trembling hands clutching her chest she looked into the eyes of the mare once more, hoping to find support, or even a measure of empathy to guide her through the moment. 

Although it marked a difficult moment in her existence, Alex knew that it was not over for her. Her heart and soul still had places to go, connections to make, love to embrace. For you see, Alex, did, and always will…

Believe in forever.

Alex

Day 115 of 365

"Have a mind that is open to anything, attached to nothing."  Tilopa

I have walked a considerable distance down this path now, and I have experienced more than I could have possibly imagined when I took that first step over 100 days ago. How could I have known that the simple, straightforward goal of writing of a book would shape and flavor so many aspects of my life?

Or did so many aspects of my life shape and flavor this book?

I am in a much didn’t space than I was 100 days ago. I have never been so clear on what I wanted for my life, for my future, for this novel. It’s like tumblers in the lock of my mind have finally clicked into place and the vault of my vision is finally open! I can see, feel, and experience what I know I want from this journey, and it brings me both peace and a sense of excitement. Every day, every effort is now centered on pursuing these goals, and MJWL is certainly a big piece of that puzzle.

One of the catalysts that helped me change was the quote listed above. I needed to become “open to anything”. For me that meant being receptive to new ways of thinking, while leaving behind the shackles of a structured timeline. “It will happen when it is supposed to happen” is my new mantra, and it has been very freeing. I can still see, in vivid colors, the places I will be in my future (including the vision of being a published author), however, I am now open to new ways of achieving these goals. And I know they will be achieved when they are “supposed to happen”.

I have also embraced the second part of the quote. “attached to nothing.” I have such beautiful, soulful relationships in my life, and I value them with all that I am. I adore my family. I love my job. I will treasure every moment that I spend with the people I love and in the job that I do, however, I cannot attach my happiness to the people, or the job, being what and who I think they should be. In my mind and in my heart they are all free. Free to do what they need to do to pursue their own happiness, their goals. 

I will treasure the moments when we walk on the path together, dream together, and spend time enjoying what this life has to offer. But the clarity of my vision comes from releasing any preconceived notions that certain things have to happen for happiness to be there. I am attached to nothing.

There was a time in the complicated relationship between Alex and Lea when they knew they had to let each other go, to become attached to nothing…at least for the time being. Their souls realized that trying to hang on at that moment would mean struggle and a disastrous end to their relationship. Not an easy chapter for either of our protagonists.

After an hour of torturing her psyche, looking for answers and explanations that would never come, Alex sat up in bed, hoping the elevation change would clear her senses. She was replaying the phone call with Lea over and over again in her mind, unable to connect the dots.

 Oblivious to the dorm room she was sitting in, the scenes played out in front of her, as if on a television screen in her mind’s eye. She saw the soft brown eyes, filled with love and passion, whispering “Love me forever Alex.” Memories of warm embraces, where two bodies fit seamlessly and hearts beat in unison. Soulful promises to “be there for each other, always”.

“What the hell happened? Where did this come from?” She sighed heavily and slumped against the white concrete wall.

Alex had always been a logical person, but she could not force lucidity into this equation. No part of “Honey, I need to let you go. It’s better this way.” made any sense to her. Forever doesn’t let go. Always is, well, always.

“I don’t get it. I just don’t get it.”

As Alex struggled with the overwhelming agony in her heart, a distant, small voice within her soul seemed to be whispering to her. The noise in her head would not, however, be still enough to allow the voice to be heard. For the moment she was content to be alone in her grief.

If Alex could have quieted her mind a bit, if she could have let go and detached herself from the past, maybe she would have heard what her soul was trying to whisper. But Alex had to go through the pain to come out stronger, and more resolved, than ever before. That was her journey. Do not grieve for Alex, though, for at some point on her path, Alex would once again…

Believe in forever.

Alex

Day 106 of 365

“Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake.” Henry David Thoreau

Did you ever notice that when you are doing something you love you feel whole, alive, energized, and timeless? 

Whether it is painting a beautiful picture, reading a good book on the beach, being around your four-legged friends, or traveling the world with the one you adore, for me those are the moments when the soul is alive.  

"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours." Henry David Thoreau

I love what I do for a living. The diverse, creative people I work with on a daily basis are inspiring. I am surrounded by peace and beauty. And yet, I know the dream that I am advancing confidently towards, the journey that I was meant to take, has only partially to do with life at sea. Yes, I have immersed myself in this lifestyle, and I am blessed beyond words to be here. But my dream is to write. More specifically, it is to write this story.

It has been 5 weeks since I have spent any significant time on MJWL, and spiritually I have felt the absence. You see, dreams don’t always die in spectacular fashion. Many well intentioned goals slip ever so slowly from the spotlight of our attention to a dark, quiet corner of the awareness, waiting patiently for the light to shine again. In some cases the dream is placed neatly in the attic of the mind with empty promises of dusting it off again someday when free time is more abundant.

That will not happen to MJWL. I just have to find a better way to balance my love of writing with the demands of being a seafarer. I knew these days would come when I committed to this journey while working out here. 

Today I have reconnected to my dream, to Rachel, her Leo, Alex, and yes, her Lea. I am once again walking confidently in the direction of THIS dream, and the smile in my heart lets me know that the success of it all is already here. When I write this story I am mentally and spiritually on the top of Leo and Rachel’s precious mountain, at their farm, and with my fine-tuned imagination I can see, smell, and feel the horses, the hay, and the pine trees in the heat of the summer.  

"Logic will get you from A to B.  Imagination will take you everywhere."  - Albert Einstein

Logic did not give Rachel and Leo a life together. She was a cultured city girl. He was a half Indian horse whisperer from the mountains. Imagination, and hearts spilling over with love, blended their fates into one.


Leo took Rachel by the hand, gently weaving his rough, weathered fingers though hers.

“Come with me darlin.”

He led her though the barn, pointing out the new paddock he had built for Talia and the fresh paint he added to the trim of the doors. He described for her the area where he wanted to have an orchard someday, and proudly introduced her to the cherry tree he had planted near the corner of the barn. They walked the property together for over an hour, never breaking the magnetic connection that was sealed by their fingertips.

Finally, after an extended period of heavy silence, Leo stopped, and facing Rachel at the peak of the mountain he grabbed her other hand with his.

“Rachel, I missed you terribly this summer. It’s just not the same here without you. You have captured a part of me that I didn’t know existed, and I never want to lose you again. Rachel, baby, I love you with all that I am.”

Then, placing one knee on the soft summer pasture grass, Leo smiled and looked deeply into his angel’s eyes.

“Will you marry me Rachel Kirkbright? Say you will spend eternity with me and this farm.”

Rachel’s entire body shuddered and her eyes spoke the answer well before her lips did.

“Yes, Leo, yes. I never want to leave you or this place again. You are my family now. You are my life.”

She melted into his waiting arms, knowing that she had found the reason her soul had called her to the green mountains of Tennessee.

Dreams are nothing more than our imagination at play, and this dream gives me the fuel I need to accomplish great things, to live a life unimagined in common hours, and to fill my life with love. For you see, just like Rachel and Leo, I …

Believe in forever.

Alex